Precise and accurate survey data is vital to each project’s success. Our experienced survey team has surveyed over 750,000 acres and ensured that each project starts with accurate and detailed topographic

data within the past five years, .

The predesign process is a collaborative planning effort. It involves preparation, coordination, and working in tandem with our clients to identify project goals, technical scope, and cost to meet the client’s vision, project schedule, and budget.

Our team identifies design solutions through an iterative process. This method produces a final design solution that is technically sound and optimizes all technical and budget components.

Okay, so RPA wasn't around during the Revolutionary period, but we would totally rock those waistcoats.

RPA was established as Ritoch-Herz-Powell Consulting Engineers, Inc. in 1978 by John Ritoch, PE; RLS, Bob Herz, PE; and Richard Powell, PE, RLS. In August of 1980, Ritoch-Powell & Associates (RPA) was incorporated by the two remaining owners (John and Richard). In 2004, Karl Obergh, PE, joined RPA as a Managing Principal. Since our inception, we have grown from a 7-person firm to the 50+ corporation we are today. RPA has built an impeccable reputation of providing quality services from our highly sought after registered professionals and skilled technical staff.

RPA is an engineering and surveying firm dedicated to professional solutions that meet our clients’ requirements while providing a positive and creative work environment.

Work hard. Have fun.

RPA’s Dream Catcher Scholarship Fund is for aspiring Native Americans with a dream of becoming a civil engineer or land surveyor. RPA is a leading civil engineering and surveying consultant firm that is dedicated to giving back to Native American communities in Arizona. This scholarship fund was created to help encourage young Native Americans on a career path that will not only help their community, but the state of Arizona as a whole.

SUMMARY: RPA is providing design and construction of two run-of-the-river hydropower plants. These projects include installation of power poles, OHP, powerhouse, generator, and turbines. Our team is also preparing grid assessments and architectural drawings for the powerhouses and coordinated design of future installations at each location.

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POWER AFRICA: HYDROPOWER

Rwanda and Tanzania, Africa

DESOTO CENTRAL MARKET

CLIENT: Motley Design Group

SUMMARY: This project was designed to LEED Standards and is undergoing the certification process. Engineering and Survey services included drainage analysis, combination grading and drainage plan, fire line plan, and topographic survey. The historic building located on the site required extensive preservation and restoration, and falls under the historic preservation requirements of the City of Phoenix.

SUMMARY: RPA played a significant role as the Lead Engineering Consultant for the City of Peoria’s second community park design-build project. RPA’s team of professionals provided surveying, civil engineering, and construction services. Design included a complete mass grading evaluation for the entire site, finish grading construction documents, water main infrastructure, sewer main infrastructure, drainage design, maintenance facility improvements, roadway design for three loop roads.

RPA has surveyed over 750,000 acres. Our experienced surveying team offers professional capabilities required to successfully complete any survey project within the past five years.

RPA’s energy + power portfolio encompasses renewable energy, hydropower, substations, and communication towers. We are USTDA approved and are currently delivering hydro and solar power to several regions in Africa.

It’s not just the quality of our work we take pride in – we aspire to leave a lasting legacy that benefits the communities we work within. We pride ourselves on delivering our services, often on a repeat basis, to clients who value both our people and our dependability.

SUMMARY: RPA provided an updated ADA Transition Plan which included the identification and mapping all facilities, development of evaluation criteria for prioritizing/retrofitting/constructing new ADA facilities, and identification and mapping of a multi-year phased plan for constructing ADA facilities.

​ VALLEY METRO RAIL - LINE SEGMENT ONE (CENTRAL PHOENIX/EAST VALLEY)

CLIENT: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

SUMMARY: Team member experience. Pete Hemingway served as Project Manager responsible for all aspects of project development, including preparation of contract plans (roadway, drainage, track horizontal/vertical, demolition, right-of-way, landscaping, striping, utility relocation, and irrigation) for this 2.1 mile segment of the Valley Metro Rail.

​ PHOENIX SKY HARBOR RENTAL CAR CENTER

CLIENT: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

SUMMARY: Team member experience. As a part of the ABACUS Program Management team for this 135-acre development, Pete Hemingway was responsible for civil engineering. These tasks included the conceptual design for grading and drainage; roadway, interior/off-site; plan reviews; utility removal/relocation; and traffic design.

SUMMARY: RPA completed design for 2.5 miles of divided urban freeway of the I-10 to US 60 segment of SR303L. Project features included roadway design, hydrology, storm drain design, open channel design, survey, right-of-way, utility relocation coordination, and public involvement. Roadway design and construction phasing were developed to maintain traffic on existing two lane roadway. All project features were planned and designed to be compatible with ultimate lane configuration.

SUMMARY: RPA completed final design of the 440 foot bridge over Show Low Creek and Lone Pine Dam including roadway, drainage, and the re-alignment of approximately 4,000 lineal feet of rural roadway. This project was federally funded and RPA provided design and post-design services ultimately saving Navajo County $1M in construction by utilizing an alternative design for bridge footings.

SUMMARY: RPA prepared a Design Concept Report that compared three alternative typical sections and cost estimates. The corridor improvements were necessary to accommodate a high volume of pedestrians and bicyclists and improve overall safety and functionality. Our team provided final design for roadway and pedestrian improvements that include lighting, wider sidewalks, ADA ramps, wayfinding, driveways, drainage facilities, utility infrastructure, irrigation, and landscaping.

SUMMARY: RPA provided survey and design services for the remodel of approximately 18,000 square feet of existing office/warehouse building for new use as the Arizona Opera Corporate Headquarters and rehearsal hall. RPA prepared grading and stormwater management plans for a new parking lot and decorative plaza for the new/remodeled buildings.

​ PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX

CLIENT: City of Peoria

LOCATION: Peoria, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provided topographic survey, base mapping, and benchmark placement services to support design and construction improvements at several areas around the ballpark including the left field permanent grandstands/concourse, Main Gate/Stadium Circle Way, Gate D/hitter’s backdrop/restrooms, as well as specific features and hardscape throughout the outfield.

​ MARICOPA FIRE STATION #572

CLIENT: City of Maricopa

LOCATION: Maricopa, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provided civil engineering design of a new 6,000 square foot fire station facility. Services included plan review; grading; drainage and utility plans; and post design construction services. Utility plans included preparation of water and sewer facilities for the new fire station based on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Standards.

​ PROVINCE ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

CLIENT: Meritage Homes

LOCATION: Maricopa, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA completed concept sub-phasing, preliminary planning, engineering feasibility analysis, cost estimating, final engineering and coordination for design of a 639-acre active adult community in the City of Maricopa. The project included coordination with Global Water Resources in an effort to obtain approval of proposed sub-phasing exhibits and identify any sub-phasing issues that may affect approval of the final plans.

​ DESERT TRAILS BIKE PARK

CLIENT: City of Mesa

LOCATION: Mesa, AZ

2015 Arizona ASLA Honor Award

SUMMARY: RPA prepared construction plans and specifications for civil engineering improvements for this bike park including the parking lot and restroom facility. The project scope also included limited construction administration services.

​ PORTLAND ON THE PARK

CLIENT: Portland Place Partners, LLC

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA is currently providing engineering and platting services for this 14-story multi-use development in downtown Phoenix. The project includes residential condominium towers, street-level retail, and a parking garage. Our services included assistance with preparation of a site plan and conceptual engineering plans.

SUMMARY: RPA provided survey, civil engineering, preliminary site plans, onsite grading, drainage, paving plans (design of pervious concrete), and a drainage report. Our responsibilities also included the design of new fire lines and hydrants for the site.

​ DESOTO CENTRAL MARKET

CLIENT: Motley Design Group

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provided engineering and survey services including drainage analysis, combination grading and drainage plan, fire line plan, and topographic survey. The project was designed to LEED Standards and is undergoing certification. This building falls under the historic preservation requirements of the City.

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​ 115th AVENUE AND UNION HILLS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

CLIENT: Flood Control District of Maricopa County

LOCATION: Peoria and Surprise, AZ

SUMMARY: The project included pre-design of 5 miles of channels, culverts, storm drains, and storage basins. RPA designed a concrete channel with aesthetic enhancements and evaluated the existing channel for a 100-year capacity. The final construction package includes design plans, cost estimates, and special provisions.

​ ARIZONA CITY FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION

CLIENT: Pinal County

LOCATION: Arizona City, AZ

SUMMARY: This project included a drainage study that included evaluation of the existing hydrology and hydraulics, as well as drainage alternatives. RPA coordinated with the County and developed an alternative that reduced flooding and met the County’s budget. Final design included design plans, cost estimates, and special provisions for channels, basin, and a box culvert.

​ LAS HACIENDAS DRAINAGE CHANNEL

CLIENT: City of Phoenix

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA completed an evaluation of the existing earthen channel to improve drainage and reduce maintenance. The project included a predesign study and final design of the recommended alternative. Predesign included evaluation of flood hazards, development of structural and non-structural alternatives, and recommended solutions.

​ ANTHEM BOX CULVERT SCOUR PROTECTION

CLIENT: Maricopa County Department of Transportation

LOCATION: Anthem, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA prepared final design and construction documents for scour protection at seven box culvert outlets in the Anthem development in northern Maricopa County. The existing box culverts were originally designed and constructed by the developer and were severely eroded during the 2012 storm.

​ ELOY INDUSTRIAL PARK FLOODPLAIN DELINEATION

CLIENT: Private Client

LOCATION: Eloy, AZ

SUMMARY: This project involved a detailed floodplain delineation for the industrial park. The project included topographic mapping and detail analysis of floodplain widths. The rolling terrain was a major challenge to complete an accurate floodplain. RPA worked with Pinal County staff to delineate floodplains that were acceptable by the team and stakeholders.

​ LAKE PLEASANT PARKWAY WATERLINE

CLIENT: Flood Control District of Maricopa County

LOCATION: Peoria and Surprise, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA completed design and construction documents for 18,480 linear feet of 24” DIP transmission and 1,800 linear feet of 8” DIP distribution waterlines between West Wing Parkway and the CAP. This project included 30 fire hydrants and 6 cross connections. As a result of our efficiency in design and value engineering, our team saved $2M in project costs.

​ PRESCOTT REGIONAL AIRPORT MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN

CLIENT: Prescott Airport Authority

LOCATION: Prescott, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA performed engineering services on a 700-acre airport located in Prescott Valley. This included inventory of all existing drainage structures (catch basins, open channels, headwalls, and pipe systems). The task also involved detail cost estimating of proposed capital improvement projects, as well as identifying other funding sources for capital projects.

​ EAST MESA DRAIN REACH #4

CLIENT: Flood Control District of Maricopa County

LOCATION: Mesa, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA completed an evaluation of the existing earthen channel to improve drainage and reduce maintenance. The project included hydraulic modeling, final design, and construction documents for 1,000 feet of concrete lined channel to reduce erosion. Our team worked with District staff to complete this project in less than 4 months.

SUMMARY: IDIQ projects include preliminary engineering and survey related to the design of roads, bridges, and/or other transportation facilities. RPA's first task from this IDIQ project, Task #1 - Land Survey Window Rock, is 100% complete.

​ ARIZONA DEMA ALTA SURVEY & PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (Arizona DEMA)

LOCATION: 8 locations, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provided survey services related to ALTA surveys; management and oversight; Phase I Environmental Site Assessments; and appraisal (valuation) services for 26 parcels grouped in 8 different project areas throughout the state including 5 in Maricopa County, and 1 each in Pima County, Santa Cruz County, and Cochise County.

​ ADOT SURVEY ON-CALL

CLIENT: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

LOCATION: Various locations, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provides on-call services to ADOT Right-of-Way Plans Group on an as-needed basis including field; right-of-way boundary and monumentation surveys; preparation of results of survey; right-of-way plans; and legal descriptions. Our team created right-of-way CADD Standards, and developed a website for the client.

​ MCDOT SURVEY ON-CALL

CLIENT: Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT)

LOCATION: Various locations within Maricopa County, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA is providing on-call survey services for various locations within Maricopa County. As part of this contract, RPA performed construction staking of four existing unimproved roads in the New River area for paving. This is an eight-phase task that includes establishing local control, existing right-of-way and centerline monument staking, grading and c0nstruction staking.

​ SRP SURVEY ON-CALL

CLIENT: Salt River Project (SRP)

LOCATION: Various SRP locations, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA performed field survey tasks including topographic surveys which includes marking of existing easements or proposed easements; marking of existing or proposed right-of-way lines; boundary lines; construction staking; and location of existing power poles, transformers, line sags, or other SRP facilities.

SUMMARY: RPA provided topographic survey to support the design of the proposed MCC Area, Flotation Cell Facility and Electrical Substation. Survey services included the collection of information for existing roadways, TOPs & TOEs of slopes, proposed building corners, and drainage features located in the breezeway adjacent to the Mill building.

​ VERRADO PHASE C CONSTRUCTION STAKING

CLIENT: Markham Contracting Co Inc,

LOCATION: Buckeye, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA provided verification of horizontal and vertical site control that will be utilized in the staking of utilities and streets for Verrado Phase C; staking and grading of sewer lines, waterlines, storm drain, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street lighting, and 85 survey monuments.

SUMMARY: RPA is providing design and construction of two run-of-the-river hydropower plants within Rwanda. This project includes the installation of power poles, Overhead power (OHP), powerhouse, generator, and turbines. Our team is also preparing grid assessments and architectural drawings for the powerhouses and coordinating design of future installations at each location.

​ POWER AFRICA: TANZANIA

CLIENT: Ruaha River Power Company

LOCATION: Tanzania, Africa

SUMMARY: RPA is providing a feasibility study, as well as design and construction of two 10MW run-of-the-river hydropower plants. The project will construct two plants that will supply power to Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and villages located in the project area. The estimated combined installation capacity of the two plants is 20 MW.

​ HARQUAHALA 160 SOLAR GENERATING PLANT

CLIENT: The Godi Group

LOCATION: Harquahala, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA will provide site planning, survey, and civil engineering services for a 220-acre development, including special use permitting and civil construction plans for a 100-acre solar generating plant.

​ DELANEY SWITCHING YARD AND SUBSTATION

CLIENT: Arizona Public Service (APS)

LOCATION: Palo Verde, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA prepared plans, specifications, and estimates for a 40-acre switching yard and future electrical substation. Onsite plans included grading, drainage, fence, gates, channels, and spreader basins. RPA assisted with site planning and developed full drainage models. The project involved coordination with the State Land Department for access easements.

​ WALDRIP SUBSTATION

CLIENT: Arizona Public Service (APS)

LOCATION: Yuma, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA assisted APS with a special use permit and site plan approval through Yuma County and engineering design of the project site. The site was designed to accommodate a 69kV substation on a graded pad with drainage retention and a perimeter chain link fence, as well as the future installation of a switchyard.

​ SUN VALLEY SUBSTATION

CLIENT: Arizona Public Service (APS)

LOCATION: Buckeye, AZ

SUMMARY: RPA prepared plans, specifications, and estimates for a 98-acre 500kV and 230 kV electrical substation and associated access road. Plans included grading, drainage, fence, gates, channels, and spreader basins. RPA assisted with site planning, developed full drainage models, and provided preliminary design for a full access intersection on Sun Valley Parkway.

​ THREE PEAKS SUBSTATION

CLIENT: Electrical Consultants, Inc.

LOCATION: Cedar City, UT

SUMMARY: RPA provided drainage and civil engineering assistance for the development of plans for a 100-acre substation. Our services included hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and design review for the receiving and routing of off-site drainage runoff and the detention/retention of onsite runoff.

​ MORGAN SUBSTATION

CLIENT: Arizona Public Service (APS)

LOCATION: Peoria. AZ

SUMMARY: RPA completed complex design (grading, drainage, perimeter fences and walls), evaluation of off-site drainage impacts, and provided assistance with SWPPP and 404 permitting. The design review of plans and specifications for the access road and line route between the Pinnacle Peak substation and the Morgan substation were fast-tracked to ensure APS' schedule.

Karl has nearly 30 years of experience and is responsible for the firm’s contractual obligations and ensures that adequate personnel and other resources are made available for each project. Karl is held accountable for the quality and timeliness of RPA’s performance and is committed to deliver a successful project to our clients.

Frank has over 39 years of experience and is responsible for transportation infrastructure projects within RPA. His clientele includes ADOT and various municipal clients in Arizona. His specialties include municipal infrastructure and capital improvement projects. He leads multi-discipline design teams and has extensive Alternative Delivery experience.

Steve is responsible for the site civil/infrastructure, and survey projects within RPA and has over 24 years of experience. His clientele includes residential, commercial, industrial, public and utility entities. His specialties include site civil, drainage, utilities, survey, scheduling and budget control.

Pete has extensive experience with both public and private sector clients spanning the commercial, residential, and industrial industries. His public sector clients embrace all aspects of government, ranging from municipalities to the federal government. He has over 34 years of experience including light rail and aviation and serving as an owner's representative on major infrastructure improvement projects.

RAj has over 28 years of experience in drainage, floodplain hydraulics, hydrology and roadway drainage related projects. He worked for the FCDMC for more than 10 years. His expertise is in hydrology, hydraulics, detention/retention basin design, storm drain design, floodplain management, box culvert design and Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).

John has 28 years of experience in civil engineering projects and is recognized as an expert in the industry with Arizona Title 48 – Special Taxing Districts. John has also worked with various funding organizations such as Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) and United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD).

RPA’s menagerie of wonderful employees enjoys working together. Laughter is a must! This motley crew is very supportive and volunteers their time to worthy causes outside of the office. To take a break from the daily grind, RPA principals BBQ and serve employees at company tailgate parties every other month. This is what family does together - Work, Serve, and Play.

We have been privileged to partner with a variety of private, local, state, and federal agencies for 40 years. Our team works diligently and intelligently to ensure that the needs of our clients come first. We view our clients as partners and work collaboratively with them to achieve results they can measure.

They provided leadership and engineering guidance in immeasurable ways to ensure the project was a success.

Cindy Newman, PE - Project Manager Consultant, APS

(Doney Park Renewable Energy Site)

RPA's attention to detail, working through difficult issues on both projects, and willingness to go the extra mile, served well to meet the City's goals.

Robert Fortier - Capital Projects Manager, City of Chandler

(Chandler Boulevard/L101 and Alma School Road/Ray Road)

...this submittal has been very well done and the plans are of high quality, thorough and complete. My compliments to RPA...